Chapter 7: Threads of Deceit

Kael's eyes flickered open, the familiar feeling of a world resetting washing over him. He knew it immediately: the field was the same, the sky was the same, even the distant forest where he had been devoured in previous loops looked the same. But the most significant part was the girl—Sylna, the innocent, unsuspecting girl who picked flowers every time.

She stood a little ways off, bending over her task with the same gentle concentration as always. Kael noted the shift in her energy—her caution, her fear of the unknown. To her, this was just another day, but to Kael, it was yet another opportunity. He had seen this all before, and now he knew how to manipulate it.

He stood up, stretching out his limbs, letting the ground feel the weight of his bare skin. There was no shame in his nakedness anymore, only a tool to use, an opportunity to further his plans. With each loop, Kael had learned how to navigate this world, testing the boundaries of his knowledge and the limits of his power. And this time—this time—he would be different.

"Hello," Kael called out casually, his voice smooth and controlled.

Sylna's head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. She seemed startled but quickly masked it with an air of caution. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice small and uncertain.

Kael allowed his expression to soften, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Just someone passing through," he said, his tone calm, almost soothing. He could see her instinctive wariness, the way her hands tightened around the flowers she had gathered. "I mean you no harm."

Her eyes flickered to his form, the nakedness still unsettling in this world where clothing was a common expectation. But she seemed to let it slide, her curiosity outweighing her discomfort. "Why are you here?" she asked again, still unsure of his presence.

Kael took a step closer, his movements deliberate, measured. "I could ask you the same thing," he said smoothly, bending slightly to meet her gaze. "This place... it's not exactly what it seems, is it?"

Sylna blinked, confusion washing over her. "I... don't understand what you mean."

He smirked inwardly, enjoying the unease in her voice. *She's as naive as ever. It'll be easier this time.*

"The village you come from," Kael said, his voice low, as if speaking a secret, "is hiding something, isn't it? Something dark. Something you don't fully understand."

Sylna's hand trembled slightly, the flowers slipping from her fingers. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, her face pale. But Kael could see the flicker of something—fear, perhaps? Regret?

"You don't?" Kael's voice was calm, persuasive. He took another step closer, his presence overwhelming, but never too threatening. "The sacrifices," he said, leaning in just enough to get her attention. "The village... they offer people to the beast every year. But they don't tell you why, do they?"

Sylna's eyes widened, fear creeping into her expression as she stepped back, the tension in the air thickening. "I don't... no... We just do it. We have to. It's to protect the village."

Kael's lips curled into a slow smile, seeing the confusion and distress grow in her. *She knows nothing, but she's been complicit in the ritual. Her ignorance is her weapon and her curse.*

"What if I told you it wasn't the beast at all?" Kael continued, his voice dropping lower, almost a whisper. "What if I told you the one controlling all of this—the sacrifices, the terror, the lies—was your very own village chief?"

Sylna's face turned white. She shook her head violently. "No! That's not... That's not true!" Her voice was trembling now, a thin thread of panic slipping through.

"Why are you so certain?" Kael asked softly, though his words carried weight. "What if the truth is that your chief has been feeding you lies? What if the sacrifices... are for something much worse?"

Sylna backed away, visibly shaken, her body tense. She clearly didn't want to believe it, but Kael could see the doubt forming in her mind. Her world was being cracked, the facade breaking before her eyes.

"You don't understand," she said, almost pleading. "It's for the safety of the village. The beast demands it. We have no choice—"

"Do you really believe that?" Kael interrupted, his gaze piercing. "What if there's no beast at all, Sylna? What if the beast is just a story, a mask for something far darker? What if your village is being controlled by forces you can't even comprehend?"

Sylna stood frozen, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to process his words. For the first time, Kael saw the flicker of realization in her eyes—the doubt, the questioning of everything she had been told her entire life.

He allowed the silence to stretch, savoring the moment. This was the start of his manipulation, the seeds of doubt he would plant in her mind. She didn't know it yet, but she was on the edge of something far more dangerous.

"This is just the beginning, Sylna," Kael said softly. "You have a choice now. You can continue to believe the lies... or you can help me uncover the truth. Your village doesn't need to suffer. But it will take more than just courage to break free."

Sylna's gaze dropped to the ground, the weight of her dilemma pressing on her. Kael could see the shift in her demeanor, the inner conflict. He knew she would be easy to manipulate further. She had already started questioning her world, her place in it. And once doubt took root, there was no going back.

"I..." she whispered, still unsure of how to react, her voice trembling. "I don't know what to believe anymore."

Kael gave her a gentle smile. *Perfect. She's already halfway there.*

"Don't worry," he said, his voice almost soothing. "I'll guide you. Together, we'll find the truth."

---End of Chapter 7---

----:As for now the next coming chapter will be on 24 of this month:---